The nobleness of defeating IS should not be questioned, but the long term impact of how victory is attained must be carefully evaluated.

The current relationship between China and the US, albeit fractured, offers much to build upon.

Rather than pursuing a more aggressive and bold approach, the Xi Administration seems to have opted for a conservative strategy.

Moscow’s blatant disregard for its INF commitments combined with its handling of CFE and OST calls into question its willingness and long term belief in the utility of the current Euro-Atlantic stability framework.

The Pentagon must be granted sufficient funding to simultaneously fight today’s wars, prepare for contingences, fund modernisation and invest for the long term. But dysfunctional Washington politics stand in the way.

India and Japan have much to gain from cooperation considering that both seek to emerge as leaders in the Asia-Pacific region.

Japan is embracing a role in the security order of South East Asia that it has long denied itself. Whilst it will never take over the role of the US in ensuring regional stability, the country is currently in the process of positioning itself as a leader in the drive to contain Beijing’s ambitions.

Vietnam and China have long had a tumultuous relationship which, particularly in the current era, has witnessed considerable ebbs and flows.

For the foreseeable future, the nuclear non-proliferation community may be faced with mounting challenges from various Eurasian governments seeking to significantly alter geopolitical conditions.

While a significant number of details are still to be clarified, the path laid out by SDSR 2015 should be able to begin to restore the UK’s hard-power capabilities and standing. Although Britain may not quite be back, it is back from the brink.